The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of magnesium supplement levels and periods on calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus metabolism in male Sprague-Dawley rats given low protein and magnesium deficient diets for 2 weeks. Serum calcium content was significantly lower in the magnesium supplement group than in the magnesium-deficient group, but calcium excretion in urine and feces was significantly increased as magnesium level and period was increased. Increasing the dietary magnesium level and periods raised serum content and excretion of magnesium in urine k feces. Urinary excretion of phosphorus in two week group was significantly lower in the magnesium supplement group than in the magnesium-deficient group. fecal phosphorus excretion in supplement group (Mg 800mg/kg diet) was significantly higher than that of other group. (Korean J Nutrition 31(6) : 1031-1038, 1998)